Manchester City are reportedly keen to keep hold of their Algerian wing-wizard, Riyad Mahrez.

What's the word?

That is according to a report from Foot Mercato claiming that the Premier League champions are currently in advanced negotiations with Mahrez regarding a contract extension that would see him pledge his future to the club.

It is said that Real Madrid are among potential suitors in competition for the Algerian forward's signature.

Txiki talks will delight Pep

Quite simply, the latest news surrounding Mahrez's future at Manchester City bodes entirely well for all involved.

With the likely departure of Gabriel Jesus and the seemingly pending departure of Raheem Sterling, Mahrez will have to take on a more senior role in the attack - despite the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

For Manchester City, he is a precious entity and fits a unique role in the attack that few players can pull off with such efficiency.

The Algerian has endured repeated success in an inverted role for Pep, cutting inside to wrong-foot the central defenders.

It's a style of play that has rewarded him with 46 assists in City colours. An inverted approach adds another dimension in the attack and allows for a wide player to operate almost solely in the half-space, which also results in more space for the centre-forward.

In this case, Haaland will greatly benefit from his presence up top, with the 31-year-old possessing the ability to create space in a system that already looks to play with a so-called "extra man" through numerical superiority.

Being in advanced negotiations bodes extremely well for Txiki and Pep, with Mahrez a vital part of the City squad.

AND in other news: Pep can land the next Dias with Man City bid for £86m sensation who "can't be stopped"